The Ministry of Defence (MoD) achieved a significant milestone by becoming the only ministry to cross the figure of Rs 1 lakh crore Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of procurement through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) since its inception in 2016.
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract on February 14, 2024 with Advanced Weapon Equipment India Ltd. (AWEIL), Kanpur for manufacturing & supply of a total of 463 indigenously manufactured 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote Control Guns (SRCG) for the Indian Navy & Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of Rs. 1752.13 crores, with Indigenous Content (IC) of more than 85%.
The SRCG will enhance the capability of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to accurately engage small targets that post a threat to ships in an asymmetric environment, both by day and night.
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hyderabad on 13 February 2024 in New Delhi, for procurement of 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems along with associated equipment / accessories for Indian Navy under Buy (Indian- IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs.2269.54 Cr.
Defence Industry sector was opened up in May 2001 for private sector participation. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in defence sector was enhanced in 2020 up to 74% through the Automatic Route for companies seeking new defence industrial license, and up to 100% through the Government Route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology. So far, Rs 5,077 crore worth of FDI has been reported by companies operating in the defence sector.
More than a month into the Ukraine War, Russia has decapitated much of the Ukrainian armed forces. Contrary to the propaganda peddled by the Western media, the conflict in Europe is likely to be settled in Moscow’s favour, with Ukraine neutered and effectively losing its independence. For India, the war offers a number of lessons in key areas – from using artillery effectively to the right time to deploy air power and standoff strikes.
While the UN Security Council was discussing the Ukraine crisis, the Russian President, taking the world by surprise, on February 24, declared the launch of a special operation in Ukraine.
Bearing testimony to the growing defence ties between India and Saudi Arabia, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt is on a visit to Riyadh as head of the Indian delegation for the ongoing World Defence Show (WDS) 2024. The five-day show, which commenced on February 04, 2024, is showcasing the latest advancements in defence technology serving as a vital platform for international collaboration amongst the participating companies.
Four flight trials of High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) - ABHYAS were successfully carried out by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha during January 30 to February 02, 2024. The trials were conducted with four different mission objectives in a revised robust configuration using a single booster designed by Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad to provide reduced launch acceleration.
